You run your own business.
You’ve made big plans for the year.
Six weeks in and your momentum is waning.
Have you nodded “yes” two and a half or more times?
Keep reading.
What do you think is holding you back?
Confusion? … [Read more...]

Imagine being lost and disoriented in the middle of a foggy forest in the dead of night. You're unable to figure out which direction to step and return towards the safety of home -- the place where you find comfort and nourishment.
You take a … [Read more...]

No matter the size of your organization, if you want to become more efficient, increase productivity, increase profit, and grow client satisfaction, there is no better way than building a workplace environment geared toward continuous … [Read more...]

What's the best compliment you've ever received? It felt nice, right? How many have you given lately?
Give ten or more genuine compliments today.
You can find 29 other thought starters and positive actions in the book, "Perspectives: A 30-day … [Read more...]

Good leaders don't tell you to "sit down," "stay in your lane," or “wait your turn.”
People with a threatened agenda do that.
Good leaders listen to the beat you dance to and incorporate it into their vision.
They recruit you and make you … [Read more...]

By now, the majority of those who joined a gym to support their New Year resolution are having second thoughts. They’re not committed to their commitment. For the majority, the pain it takes to achieve their goal is not worth the effort. Of course, … [Read more...]

Do you have a leadership path in mind for yourself or your organization this year?
If you don't, how are you going to get where you want to go?
By wishing really, really hard?
By coasting, or drifting toward success?
Probably not. … [Read more...]

Because so few get it right, here is a periodic reminder on how to properly apologize. No, saying "sorry" isn't enough, and being inconvenienced by another's lack of belief in your remorse isn't their problem, it's yours. Also, don't demand an … [Read more...]

Assessments serve as a quick way to get a sense of self and perspective. They provide a snapshot of current conditions and form a framework individuals, teams, and organizations can use to communicate concepts efficiently.
Karl Bimshas Consulting … [Read more...]

Diversity of thought, life experiences, and belief systems is what makes organizations stronger. The fittest ideas can flourish, and greater numbers of people benefit. If the room you're in looks like you, you're not learning enough. You'll feel … [Read more...]

Choose three words. With three words you can set a theme for your year without all the P-measures, R-measures, KPI’s, parental or religious guilt, and anything else that has made planning your year feel like a burden, instead of the optimistic fun it … [Read more...]

I am not a fan of "woe is me" authors who overshare all the problems in their life. I am partial to a stoic approach. We all have our battles, many of them private, and that is a personal choice. Not every malady has to be posted and commented upon. … [Read more...]

The Leadership Development Box is a Fun Tool!
Karl Bimshas Consulting’s Leadership Development Box is a great visual and kinesthetic tool to be more engaging in your development discussions. A favorite with HR professionals, trainers, and better … [Read more...]

The world would be better if everyone, regardless of their role, carried a SIDE of leadership.
Service: Be of service. Help. Assist. Act on behalf of others. Serve people, or a cause, an idea, beyond yourself.
Integrity: Hold yourself to honest … [Read more...]

You can lower your expectations and never feel disappointment, or you can raise your expectations and manage your disappointments like an adult.
The truly great things in life do not get that way through indifference.
You care. You have a … [Read more...]

Just because you don't consider yourself a leader doesn't mean others aren't following you.
You are leading.
Get better at it.
You can deny it. You can hate it. You can battle over semantics. Like it or not, you're leading someone (maybe … [Read more...]

Revenge isn't an aspirational goal. It can motivate you to get started, or look at yourself differently, or lift your spirits when you are filled with self-doubt.
However, it's short-lived, unless you are so lacking in esteem that you NEED to … [Read more...]

Many people react to conflict.
Leaders respond.
Here's the difference; leaders take the time to study and observe so that they can be more discerning in their decision-making. They are careful and deliberate about what they allow into their … [Read more...]

If you're a solopreneur or freelancer, guess what? You are not automatically exempt from having a lousy boss.
Face it; effective managers have a particular set of skills that help foster compliance, communication, confidence, production, and … [Read more...]

Not doing it your way doesn't make it wrong, it just makes it different.
There are many ways to do many things. Often, managers, in particular, feel like they know the best way to do something. This is seldom true. They know one way and assume … [Read more...]

When you share an idea or a goal with people it can be risky because most will have a negative knee-jerk reaction. Whatever their motivation; protective love or bitter hidden jealousy, many will say or do things to squash your dreams.
Then there … [Read more...]

There are many thankless roles in life, but I take them unconditionally, knowing praise comes in tiny doses.
Like a phone call from my daughter, who's "killing it" across the country on her own, or my son making sound ethical decisions.
It … [Read more...]

There's money in outrage, but results come from taking action.
There are plenty of money making machines that do quite well agitating the populace. People without much conviction will always find ways to extract money from those with dogmatic … [Read more...]

I've got a new book out!
It is the third in the "Leadership Essays" Series.
It can feel like we are in the midst of a lousy leader epidemic. From laughable errors in judgment and illogical lapses in commonsense, to plots that are more sinister, … [Read more...]

Does your organization have a lot of accidental managers? Are you one yourself? These are the people with good intent, strong skills, and a willingness to help, who are suddenly thrust into a management role. Maybe there was a crisis, a hole that … [Read more...]

Success doesn't happen all at once. Neither does failure.
It is hundreds of little decisions, conversations, actions, and thoughts that make or break you.
Make seemingly unimportant nudges in the approximate direction of your dreams every … [Read more...]

Despite your best efforts sometimes you simply cannot follow. Maybe you have a values conflict with the leader, the organization, or the cause.
There could also be a vacuum. No one is leading an effort. That's when it becomes your calling, and you … [Read more...]

Leadership isn't a game; it's a lifestyle.
That's not to say you shouldn't have fun. There's always going to be competition and a desire to win in life. There are also opportunities for collaboration and a desire to make things better for others. … [Read more...]

Some people concern themselves with legacy and the impact that will be left when they're gone. Writing your own aspirational obituary can crystallize your thinking and give you a roadmap to live into. But really, once you're gone, you're gone. … [Read more...]

Your story doesn't define you; you define your story
Most of the success in your life is because of the combination of your attitude and approach.
Lousy attitude, lousy success.
Great attitude, great success.
A large measure is your … [Read more...]

Every person must learn the balance between "The instinct to help" versus, "It's none of your damn business."
You've got to develop an internal checklist to determine what level of involvement you are willing to commit to. That's where knowing … [Read more...]

The wave doesn't care if you're standing in front of it.
It doesn't speed up to try and knock you over.
It doesn't slow down in an attempt to spare you.
A wave is going to do what it does whether you're there or not.
You get to decide … [Read more...]

Did you wake up grateful?
For what?
For waking up. For each breath. For the ability to see and read. For shelter and food. For fingernails and eyelids. For a thousand reasons … but just pick three and relish in them.
The odds of you being … [Read more...]

Immediate results are rare and seldom last. Knowing this doesn't stop us from playing the lottery and gambling our long-term success for short-term gains.
Some people get lucky. The magic wand produces what they need, often just enough to … [Read more...]

I take a lot of pride in the work Karl Bimshas Consulting does with new and established leaders who want to improve what they do so they can manage better and lead well.
We don't talk about it a lot, but I'm equally proud of what we do … [Read more...]

Reminder, if you're not afraid to fail, you are already a stronger leader than most. It means you have humility and curiosity.
You may have fears, but they are not greater than your bravery.
If you do fail, your attitude ensures you'll still … [Read more...]

Leading well is not always easy.
It's not glamorous.
It doesn't photograph well.
It's not Instagram-able.
Many times, good leadership can look like lousy leadership if you don't know the context or intent. And most don't.
You don't … [Read more...]

It would be generous to say that of those who are currently in a leadership position, about 50% actively care about personal and team improvement.
As a regular reader of my newsletter, blog, and books, or a listener of my show, you’re different. … [Read more...]

Leaders play an important role in any organization. Great ones have a compound additive effect which we frequently celebrate. Are those accolades overstated? If esteemed polls and studies are to be believed, we seldom crack the 30-35% range of fully … [Read more...]

Even self-leadership, which can be the most difficult, because of your varying levels of obstinance, procrastination, perfectionism, and self-confidence, requires a gentle, nudge.
Leadership is important. It can have positive or negative effects … [Read more...]

Imagine if you started to lead, instead of whining.
What could you accomplish if you dared to give a damn?
Live your values and act on purpose. It is the simplest, most straightforward way you can identify leadership in yourself and … [Read more...]

Did you know many busy leaders feel like an imposter because they are struggling with their self-leadership?
As a result, their confidence takes a hit, and they find themselves failing to speak up or advocate for better ideas.
They tuck away … [Read more...]

Ever come across a friend or family member who was screwing up their leadership? It usually happens about 18 months into their role. By that time the honeymoon is over and they start clashing with employees and colleagues.
You might not notice it … [Read more...]

▫️Are you getting the results you want and need?
▫️Do you have a high-performing team, or just a group of people who work together?
▫️Are you energized or drained at the end (or the beginning) of each … [Read more...]

Here are 14 common reasons busy professionals seek leadership development with Karl Bimshas Consulting.
How many are true for you?
I am questioning my motivations, values, and purpose.
I think my decision making is wishy-washy, but I am … [Read more...]

It starts with convenience and familiarity. The lousy leader is known to you; charming and fun to be around, or they may have helped you during tough times, so you feel indebted.
Soon, they want you to do special favors for them. They are acts you … [Read more...]

Diplomacy and tact are worthy pursuits. It doesn't harm you to slow down and provide a little thought before spouting off something that could be hurtful to others. There's no reason to be intentionally rude when making a point. When you've got the … [Read more...]

There's a trend where a lot of good people are distancing themselves from the term, "leader," because it leaves a bad taste in their mouth.
What about you? Do you reject leadership?
I can't blame you, you might have lousy role models, be … [Read more...]

When we are focused on pursuing meaningful goals, it is easier to push back on the unrelenting wave of cynics crashing across our path.
Introduction: Tide Turning
It’s amazing to me the number of people I have come across who do not appear to put … [Read more...]

When a good leader turns a blind eye to a bad leader, you have two lousy leaders.
Life is full of difficult choices. Loyalty and honor are real but can get warped. Pay attention to who earns your loyalty and how you define honor. Does your code hurt … [Read more...]

I come across a lot of capable people who are afraid to lead. Frequently they are blind to the fact that they are already leading. By having a vision, acting upon it, and gathering resources to help fulfill it, they are well on their way.
It … [Read more...]

Empathy and curiosity are two traits a lousy leader can't comprehend. They are the same traits a great leader calls upon instinctively.
Empathy is about warmth first, even without fully understanding the predicament. It is grace and compassion … [Read more...]

Every day there's more history being made. It's important to learn from the past. How did others face challenges similar to your own?
The future is predictable only if we study patterns, test models, examine theories, and dare to imagine. The … [Read more...]

Stop seeking passion. It will elude you until it sees you working. What you are passionate about is the thing you are most willing to suffer for, enduring it for 10, 15, 20 years or more.
Passion is the endeavor you cannot stop doing. It consumes … [Read more...]

When was the last time you thought?
I'm not talking about dwelling, regretting, wishing, or worrying. I'm talking about honest to goodness, calorie burning, serious thinking. Not scenario planning and what-iffing, not endless rumination. … [Read more...]

Stop taking random advice from people.
Be a better gatekeeper and pay attention to those who make you think, laugh, and take action. Preferably all three.
We have such excellent access to knowledge, new perspectives, and views of the world. … [Read more...]

Karl Bimshas Consulting's popular leadership assessments are a quick way to get a sense of self and gain perspective.
📕DISC, for how you communicate
📗Emotional Intelligence, for how you make decisions
📘Hartman Value … [Read more...]

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1. Review the last 90 days of your life. You set some big goals -- how ya doing? Do you need to adjust them? Don't go smaller. Reach higher.
2. You met new people. Did anyone positively influence your life, your goals, your success? Have you … [Read more...]

How can you be a good team leader without being an a-hole?
They say there’s no I in team, yet, executive suites and corner offices remain havens for barrel-chested man-babies who treat people like they are disposable.
In “Don’t Be the A-Hole on … [Read more...]

I don’t like the personal development industry’s “Wheel of Life” because I think balance is the wrong thing to attempt to achieve. Have you ever tried to accomplish perfect balance? Balancing anything is difficult and all-consuming. The practice … [Read more...]

I keep a baker's dozen of empty Wellbutrin bottles in my closet and look at them once in awhile, to remind myself of the 13 months of hellish depression I went through several years ago.
The cause doesn't matter. Once depression grabs you by the … [Read more...]

I’m pleased to announce the second volume in our new three-part leadership series, "Manage Better and Lead Well."
These short read e-books are designed for busy professionals who want to manage better and lead well in their new or … [Read more...]

I have a visceral reaction to leadership that has never let me down. It operates on both extremes of the continuum.
It's no secret that lousy leadership pisses me off; not only because these type of leaders tend to be arrogant dicks, but because … [Read more...]

Remembering? This weekend, you will no doubt make time to remember fallen heroes.
Reconnecting? Do you make time to reach out to family, friends and the other important people in your life?
Relaxing? Will you spend time in a hammock or a … [Read more...]

I recently shared dinner with a dear friend who was about to embark on a new adventure. She alternated between bouts of excitement and nervousness, possessing the natural joy that comes from stretching outside your comfort zone, coupled with the … [Read more...]

Ask yourself, “What would a lousy leader do?” Then, make damn sure you don’t do that.
Success leaves clues, so does failure. Pay attention to the lessons that surround you. Very few wake up in the morning determined to be a lousy leader, but through … [Read more...]

Sometimes you have to be independent and chart your own course. You will fly high, and far, and have a broad perspective on your world, up above the fray.
Other times, you will want company, share resources, communicate with your friends, cheer … [Read more...]

Once you become an adult, there's something you can stop doing, but most don't. It is important to know your *why* - the motivation, inspiration, reason that compels you to pursue the big goal in your life. It helps you to understand why, but you do … [Read more...]

Not every day is sunshine and unicorns. Leading is not always fun. You need to make tough decisions between choices that aren't any good. That is what leaders do. If you thought it was giving commands to people to satisfy your whim, you … [Read more...]

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There's a lot of great leadership out there. The problem is, many of the great leaders are not in leadership positions. Partly because some of them do not consider what they do to be leadership. Their humility is refreshing, but they are wrong, … [Read more...]

If you pay someone for advice and they caution you against hiring a capable and attractive person of the opposite sex so that you may protect yourself and resist temptation, fire them.
If you take their advice or have hesitated to hire qualified … [Read more...]

You will not know where you are headed every moment of every day. Life is full of surprises that will push you off track, distract you, or lead you in an entirely new direction. Know your purpose and be undeterred. Relish the adventure of the unknown … [Read more...]

There are lots of attributes they say a leader should have.
Ignore them.
Those attributes are the seasoning that gives the meal a pleasant flavor. As a leader, concern yourself with the proper nutrition first, then spice it up. Otherwise, it … [Read more...]

Leadership takes many forms and comes from many voices. We want more of those leadership voices heard, so we occasionally publish a guest post on our "Reflections on Leadership" blog. This one is from 30-something millennial, Jenny Christopher. If … [Read more...]

Review the last 90 days of your life.
You set some big goals -- how ya doing?
Do you need to adjust them? Don't go smaller. Reach higher.
You met new people. Did anyone positively influence your life, your goals, your success? Have you … [Read more...]

If you don't think you do ... keep thinking until you find a way you can. Then go do that.
You won't always know how, when, or why, but you will always make a difference.
You won't always know who, or what is affected by your actions, but it is … [Read more...]

Want to change things?
Lead the change.
Don't want things to change?
Lead the same.
You can sit back and be a nonparticipating observer 95% of the time. You will either remain blissful or stew in resentment; depending upon your attitude and … [Read more...]

You are not infallible. You make mistakes. It is an uncomfortable feeling, knowing you goofed. Many people try to avoid the sensation of being wrong by never speaking up, never standing up, never venturing into the unknown. They feel safe and secure … [Read more...]

Ever sit with a bunch of people and awkwardly talk about what to do next? Everyone is tentative and polite. No one wants to offend or look foolish. People are going out of their way to avoid disagreements and confrontation.
And that is only trying … [Read more...]

You know those times when you feel like things just aren't right? Things aren't firing on all cylinders. You're not panicking, but your frustration is growing. You feel stumped because you cannot figure it out. Things should be going better, but … [Read more...]

If you are aren't excited each Monday, you're working on the wrong stuff.
Act on purpose.
You don't HAVE to like your job. Few people get excited about their commute and interacting with busybody coworkers, always asking about their weekend … [Read more...]

The reason I have started requiring people who work with me to know their purpose and values is because if they do not, they will be susceptible to the whim of others. When you know your purpose and values, you do not allow others to blow you off … [Read more...]

I believe happiness and purposefulness come about by the active pursuit of a worthy goal. Therefore if you want to be happy, you should never be without a great goal.
Imagine if every woman, man, and child you know had at least one great goal that … [Read more...]

When was the last time you asked someone how they were doing?
Here's how you can tell if someone is more concerned with power than they are with good leadership.
Someone concerned with power is going to use "I" and "Me" when they speak. When … [Read more...]

When you know your purpose and values, you feel great about making decisions that support who you want to be and where you want to go.
When you set your mind on your dreams and you celebrate along the way, you are making … [Read more...]

Good leaders know when they've goofed up. Not right away -- but eventually, they know. They ask for feedback, pay attention to criticism, and are astute to the things NOT being said.
So what happens when you realize you've goofed; when your … [Read more...]